Wireless data communication card with compact antenna

ABSTRACT

A wireless data communication card configured in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention includes a low profile antenna arrangement that does not protrude from the housing of the computing device when the wireless data communication card is inserted into the housing. The low profile design is achieved without compromising the radio frequency (“RF”) characteristics and performance of the wireless data communication card by tuning the antenna arrangement to account for conductive ground structure located within the housing of the computing device. In accordance with one practical embodiment of the invention, the wireless data communication card is compliant with IEEE Standard 802.11(b) and compliant with PCMCIA specifications.

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/113,460, filed on Apr. 25, 2005, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to an interface tool thatfacilitates wireless data communication between computing devices. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a wireless datacommunication card for a computing device such as a personal computer ora remote telemetry component for implantable medical devices (“IMDs”).

BACKGROUND

Computers and computing devices are becoming common appliances in homes,offices, medical facilities, schools, manufacturing plants, andelsewhere. Customized computing devices that are based upon conventionalpersonal computer architectures are also being deployed to supportspecific applications, such as medical testing, remote datacommunication with IMDs, automotive diagnostics, and the like.Furthermore, wireless data communication with computing devices andcomputer networks is becoming increasingly common. Such wireless datacommunication requires data transmission in accordance with a specificdata communication protocol, a wireless transceiver, and a suitableantenna structure configured to transmit and receive signals, typicallyvia a radio frequency (“RF”) data communication link.

In practical applications, an RF antenna is attached to a wirelessnetwork card that is inserted into the computing device. In many compactdevices, e.g., notebook computers, the wireless data communication cardis received into a slot or receptacle in the computing device, where theslot or receptacle is sized and configured in accordance with anaccepted standard. For example, one standard format is defined by thePersonal Computer Memory Card Interface Association (“PCMCIA”), and mostportable computing devices have a PCMCIA slot that is configured toreceive PCMCIA cards, including PCMCIA wireless networking cards. Inconventional systems, the RF antennas for wireless cards remain outsideof the computing device housing (even when the cards are fully insertedinto the card slot) to avoid signal interference with the hardware andmetal structures found within the housing of the computing device. Thissituation is depicted in FIG. 1, which shows a notebook computer 100 anda wireless data communication card 102 inserted into a slot 104 formedwithin notebook computer 100. While this arrangement may result inadequate RF performance, the protruding wireless data communication card102 is susceptible to tampering, damage, and inadvertent dislodging.

Accordingly, it is desirable to have a compact, efficient, and effectiveRF antenna structure suitable for use with a wireless data communicationcard for a computing device (e.g., a personal computer, an IMD telemetrycomponent, or the like). In addition, it is desirable to have a wirelessdata communication card having an integrated RF antenna that does notprotrude from the computing device when the card is inserted into thecomputing device. Furthermore, other desirable features andcharacteristics of the present invention will become apparent from thesubsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technicalfield and background.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A wireless data communication card configured in accordance with anembodiment of the invention utilizes a compact and low profile RFantenna structure. The low profile design of the RF antenna structureenables the wireless data communication card to be completely enclosedwithin the housing of a computing device. The RF antenna structure doesnot protrude from the computing device, and provides compact overallappearance. Furthermore, the wireless data communication card isprotected by the housing of the computing device.

The above and other aspects of the invention may be carried out in oneform by an antenna arrangement for a wireless data communication cardconfigured for use with a computing device. The antenna arrangementincludes an RF ground structure for establishing RF ground coupling to aconductive structure of the computing device, and at least one antennaelement tuned in accordance with the conductive structure of thecomputing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived byreferring to the detailed description and claims when considered inconjunction with the following figures, wherein like reference numbersrefer to similar elements throughout the figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a computing device and a wireless datacommunication card according to the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wireless data communication cardaccording to the prior art;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a wireless data communication card configured inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a computing device having the wirelessdata communication card shown in FIG. 3 inserted therein;

FIG. 5 is an end view of the antenna arrangement for the wireless datacommunication card shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the antenna arrangement shown in FIG. 5,as viewed along line A-A;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a computing device and awireless data communication card according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a wireless data communication card configured inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is an end view of the antenna arrangement for the wireless datacommunication card shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the antenna arrangement shown in FIG. 9,as viewed along line B-B;

FIG. 11 is a radiation pattern for a wireless data communication cardhaving a dual antenna configuration; and

FIG. 12 is a radiation pattern for a wireless data communication cardhaving a single antenna configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely illustrative and is notintended to limit the invention or the application and uses of theinvention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by anyexpressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field,background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

The invention may be described herein in terms of functional and/orlogical block components and various processing steps. It should beappreciated that such block components may be realized by any number ofhardware, software, and/or firmware components configured to perform thespecified functions. In addition, those skilled in the art willappreciate that the present invention may be practiced in conjunctionwith any number of data transmission protocols and that the devicesdescribed herein are merely practical example applications for theinvention.

For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to wirelessdata communication, RF antenna design, computing device peripherals,computing device architectures, and other functional aspects of thesystems (and the individual operating components of the systems) may notbe described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shownin the various figures contained herein are intended to representexample functional relationships and/or physical couplings between thevarious elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additionalfunctional relationships or physical connections may be present in apractical embodiment.

The following description may refer to elements or features being“connected” or “coupled” together. As used herein, unless expresslystated otherwise, “connected” means that one element/feature is directlyor indirectly connected to another element/feature, and not necessarilymechanically. Likewise, unless expressly stated otherwise, “coupled”means that one element/feature is directly or indirectly coupled toanother element/feature, and not necessarily mechanically. Thus,although the schematic shown in FIG. 7 depicts one example arrangementof elements, additional intervening elements, devices, features, orcomponents may be present in an actual embodiment (assuming that thefunctionality of the device is not adversely affected).

As mentioned above, the notebook computer 100 (or medical deviceprogrammer) shown in FIG. 1 cooperates with a conventional wirelessnetwork card 102 to establish an RF data communication link with anothercomputing device or a wireless access device. Even though wirelessnetwork card 102 is inserted properly within notebook computer 100, aportion still protrudes from slot 104. In particular, an antenna portion106 of wireless network card 102 protrudes from the housing of notebookcomputer 100. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art wireless datacommunication card 200 having a main portion 202 and an antenna portion204. Main portion 202 may include electrical contacts, ports, or pins206 for establishing electrical connections with the electronics withinthe cooperating computing device. Antenna portion 204 is connected tomain portion 202 to enable antenna portion 204 to convey RF signals toand from RF circuitry contained in main portion 202. As mentioned above,antenna portion 204 protrudes from the housing of the computing devicewhen wireless data communication card 200 is installed in the computingdevice.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a wireless data communication card 300configured in accordance with one practical embodiment of the invention.Wireless data communication card 300 is preferably configured in a lowprofile package such that, when installed into the cooperating computingdevice, wireless data communication card 300 is enclosed within thehousing of the computing device. In this regard, FIG. 4 is a perspectiveview of a computing device 400 having wireless data communication card300 inserted therein (in FIG. 4, wireless data communication card 300 ishidden from view). Computing device 400 generally includes a housing 402and a card slot 404 formed in housing 402. In the practical embodiment,card slot 404 is shaped, sized, and otherwise configured to receivewireless data communication card 300. Thus, wireless data communicationcard 300 is configured for compatible engagement with card slot 404 andwith appropriate internal components of computing device 400. In thisregard, wireless data communication card 300 may include a main portionthat is functionally equivalent to main portion 202 of conventionalwireless data communication card 200 (see FIG. 2). For example, cardslot 404 may be a PCMCIA slot sized to accommodate a PCMCIA-sized card.Card slot 404 may include or interact with a suitably configured cover,lid, door, or other enclosure mechanism 406 that encloses the wirelessdata communication card 300 within housing 402. Such an enclosuremechanism 406 may be desirable to further protect wireless datacommunication card 300 against physical damage and/or exposure toenvironmental factors including spillage and other incidence. Referringagain to FIG. 3, wireless data communication card 300 generally includesa conductive outer housing 302, an RF communication module locatedwithin conductive outer housing 302, and an antenna arrangement 304. TheRF communication module is hidden from view in FIG. 3. The RFcommunication module may include an RF transmitter and an RF receiver(which may be combined into an RF transceiver) configured to supportwireless data communication via an RF link using techniques known tothose skilled in the art. Indeed, the RF communication module may be ofa conventional design as employed by existing wireless PCMCIA cards.Antenna arrangement 304 is suitably coupled to the RF communicationmodule to facilitate RF signal transmission from the RF communicationmodule and/or to facilitate RF signal reception by the RF communicationmodule. Antenna arrangement 304 may be physically and/or electricallycoupled to the RF communication module via suitable RF connectors 306.RF connectors 306 may be realized as press-fit connectors having agrounded exterior and a conductive internal element that is utilized asthe RF signal feed. In practice, RF connectors 306 may be of aconventional design. In the example embodiment of the invention, atleast a portion of antenna arrangement 304 is located external toconductive outer housing 302. In particular, the radiating elements (orelement) of antenna arrangement 304 are preferably located outside ofconductive outer housing 302. Thus, RF connectors 306 establish an RFpath from the RF communication module to the antenna arrangement 304,while physically securing antenna arrangement 304 to conductive outerhousing 302.

In the practical embodiment of the invention, conductive outer housing302 provides an RF ground structure for wireless data communication card300. Accordingly, conductive outer housing 302 may include or be formedfrom an electrically conductive material, such as, without limitation:copper, stainless steel, any suitable metal, or alloys thereof.Conductive outer housing 302 is suitably configured to establish RFground coupling to one or more conductive structures of the computingdevice in which wireless data communication card 300 is deployed. Forexample, when properly installed in the computing device, the RF groundstructure defined by conductive outer housing 302 may come into directcontact with conductive structure contained in the housing of thecomputing device. Alternatively (or additionally), when properlyinstalled in the computing device, the RF ground structure defined byconductive outer housing 302 may be capacitively coupled to conductivestructure, such as a ground plane, located within the housing of thecomputing device. In this regard, FIG. 7 (which is a schematicrepresentation of a computing device and a wireless data communicationcard inserted into the computing device) schematically depicts thepossible direct and indirect coupling of the outer housing of thewireless data communication card to conductive structures of thecomputing device.

Conductive outer housing 302 has an insertion end 308 and an antenna end310 opposing insertion end 308. Insertion end 308 is inserted into thecomputing device to install wireless data communication card 300, whileantenna arrangement 304 is located at antenna end 310. Generally,antenna arrangement 304 has a low profile, relative to antenna end 310,such that antenna arrangement 304 can be enclosed within the housing ofthe computing device when wireless data communication card 300 isengaged in card slot 404 (see FIG. 4). The low profile design of antennastructure 304 is illustrated in FIG. 3, where antenna structure 304extends only a small amount beyond antenna end 310. In the practicalembodiment of the invention, the compact design of antenna arrangement304 is achieved while maintaining antenna efficiency and good RFperformance by tuning antenna arrangement 304 to account for theconductive structure or structures of the respective computing device.

FIG. 5 is an end view of antenna arrangement 304, and FIG. 6 is asectional view of antenna arrangement 304 as viewed along line A-A inFIG. 5. It should be appreciated that antenna arrangement 304 is merelyone suitable implementation and that alternate embodiments can beutilized with wireless data communication card 300. Antenna arrangement304 generally includes a dielectric mounting element 312, a firstantenna element 314, and a second antenna element 316. Alternateembodiments of antenna arrangement 304 may employ more or less than twoantenna elements (for example, a single antenna embodiment is describedbelow in connection with FIGS. 8-10).

First antenna element 314 may include an input section 320 and aradiating section 322, and second antenna element 316 may include aninput section 324 and a radiating section 326. Regarding first antennaelement 314, input section 320 protrudes from conductive outer housing302 and is coupled to (or formed with) radiating section 322. In thepractical embodiment, input section 320 may be coupled to (or formedwith) RF connector 306 a for coupling to the RF communication module inwireless data communication card 300. Regarding second antenna element316, input section 324 also protrudes from conductive outer housing 302and is coupled to (or formed with) radiating section 326. In thepractical embodiment, input section 324 may be coupled to (or formedwith) RF connector 306 b for coupling to the RF communication module inwireless data communication card 300.

In this example, antenna arrangement 304 comprises a spatial diversityantenna architecture and wireless data communication card 300 isconfigured to select either first antenna element 314 or second antennaelement 316 for operation with the RF communication module. Thisarchitecture enables wireless data communication card 300 to switchbetween antenna elements 314/316 as necessary to optimize RFperformance. The diversity operation of antenna arrangement 304 may beaccomplished by orienting radiating section 322 along antenna end 310 inone direction, while orienting radiating section 326 along antenna end310 in the opposing direction. In other words, antenna elements 314/316“point” in opposite directions. As shown in FIG. 6, antenna elements314/316 may be generally located in the same plane, but oriented 180degrees away from each other. In the example embodiment, radiatingsections 322/326 are parallel and aligned with antenna end 310 ofconductive outer housing 302.

In the example embodiment, input sections 320/324 may be formed from asolid conductor, e.g., a copper wire, and radiating sections 322/326 maybe formed from a thin conductive material, e.g., a copper sheet, ametallic trace etched onto dielectric mounting element 312, a flexibleconductor formed on a flexible adhesive tape, or the like. In analternate embodiment of the invention, antenna elements 314/316 maycomprise solid monopole wire antenna elements. In yet other embodimentsof the invention, antenna arrangement 304 may leverage any suitable RFantenna technology, including, without limitation: microstrip;stripline; coaxial; twin lead; coplanar waveguide; and the like.

As mentioned above, antenna arrangement 304 is preferably tuned inaccordance with conductive structure located at the respective computingdevice. In practice, such tuning may include, without limitation: tuningor adjusting the length of radiating sections 322/326; tuning oradjusting the length of input sections 320/324; providing RF matchingelements; tuning or adjusting the relative orientations of antennaelements 314/316; tuning or adjusting the shape, size, or topology ofantenna elements 314/316; tuning or adjusting the mounting distance ofradiating sections 322/326 relative to antenna end 310; selecting thecomposition or material for antenna elements 314/316; selecting thecomposition or material for dielectric mounting element 312; tuning oradjusting the size, shape, or topology of dielectric mounting element312; selecting the configuration of RF connectors 306; and/or selectingthe manner in which antenna arrangement 304 is manufactured. In apractical embodiment of the invention, antenna arrangement 304 is tunedor otherwise configured to consider the intended deployment of wirelessdata communication card 300. For example, wireless data communicationcard 300 (including the RF communication module and antenna arrangement304) may be suitably configured for operation in compliance with one ormore wireless data communication protocols, such as IEEE Standard802.11(b) or any variant of IEEE Standard 802.11. Furthermore, wirelessdata communication card 300 may be suitably configured in compliancewith PCMCIA packaging and/or operating standards. Consequently, antennaarrangement 304 may also be suitably tuned to account for these andother practical requirements.

In contrast to prior art wireless network cards, antenna arrangement 304can be custom tuned to enhance the RF performance of wireless datacommunication card 300 when it is installed in the computing device. Inaccordance with one practical deployment of the invention, wireless datacommunication card 300 is configured to cooperate with an IMD telemetrycomponent that includes conductive structure therein. The internalstructure of the IMD telemetry component does not vary significantlyfrom one build to another and, therefore, each individual antennaarrangement 304 need not be custom tuned for each deployment. Rather,antenna arrangement 304 may be tuned in accordance with the nominaldesign of the IMD telemetry component, including the conductivestructure found therein, and the tuned design for antenna arrangement304 can be leveraged for any number of production units. Of course,differently tuned antenna arrangements 304 may be required for optimizedRF performance in different computing device configurations made bydifferent manufacturers.

In practice, the conductive structure of the computing device may bemodeled, simulated, or otherwise measured to determine its impact on theRF characteristics of wireless data communication card 300. It should beappreciated that a number of conventional RF modeling, testing, orsimulation applications may be utilized to assist in the tuning ofantenna arrangement 304. Assuming that the conductive structure of thecomputing device remains fixed, antenna arrangement 304 can be suitablytuned after the conductive structure has been appropriatelycharacterized. In connection with tuning, any number of RF tests ormeasurements of antenna arrangement 304 may be performed, including,without limitation: antenna efficiency; radiation pattern; and/or returnloss. Such practical measurements can be analyzed to iteratively tuneantenna arrangement 304 if necessary until the desired RF performancecharacteristics are achieved.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a computing device 700 and awireless data communication card 702 according to an embodiment of theinvention. FIG. 7 depicts the situation where wireless datacommunication card 702 has engaged with card slot 704 and is installedin (and enclosed within) computing device 700. The arrows representinput and/or output connections 705 established between wireless datacommunication card 702 and computing device 700. As described above,wireless data communication card 702 includes an RF communication module706 and an antenna arrangement 708 coupled to RF communication module706. RF communication module 706 is housed within a conductive outerhousing 710 of wireless data communication card 702. Notably, antennaarrangement 708 does not protrude from card slot 704, and is enclosedwithin computing device 700.

FIG. 7 schematically depicts that conductive outer housing 710represents RF ground potential for antenna structure 708. This groundpotential is identified by reference number 712 in FIG. 7. As describedin more detail above, conductive outer housing 710 may be in directcontact with conductive structure 714 located within computing device700. The direct connection is identified by reference number 716. Directconnection 716 may represent a mechanical coupling, a snap-fit, apress-fit, or other connection between wireless data communication card702 and conductive structure 714. Conductive structure 714 may representan RF or circuit ground potential 718, which thereby establishes RFground coupling between conductive outer housing 710 and conductivestructure 714.

FIG. 7 also schematically depicts capacitive coupling 720 betweenconductive outer housing 710 and a ground plane 722 (or other conductivestructure) located within computing device 700. Capacitive coupling 720may be utilized in addition to, or as an alternative to, directconnection 716 to establish RF ground coupling between conductive outerhousing 710 and ground plane 722. In a practical embodiment, capacitivecoupling 720 is achieved by a small separation (air gap) betweencomponents. Those skilled in the art should recognize that othermethodologies for establishing an RF ground with conductive componentswithin computing device 700 can be employed by a practicalimplementation of the invention, and that the techniques described inconnection with FIG. 7 are not exhaustive.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a wireless data communication card 800configured in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention,FIG. 9 is an end view of the antenna arrangement for wireless datacommunication card 800, and FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the antennaarrangement shown in FIG. 9, as viewed along line B-B. Wireless datacommunication card 800 may share several features and elements withwireless data communication card 300, and such shared features andelements will not be redundantly described herein.

Wireless data communication card 800 generally includes a conductiveouter housing 802, an RF communication module located within conductiveouter housing 802, and an antenna arrangement 804 coupled to the RFcommunication module. The RF communication module is hidden from view inFIG. 8. Antenna arrangement 804 may be physically and/or electricallycoupled to the RF communication module via a suitable RF connector 806.RF connector 806 may be realized as a press-fit connector having agrounded exterior and a conductive internal element that is utilized asthe RF signal feed. Generally, antenna arrangement 804 is similar to oneof the two antenna components of antenna arrangement 304 describedabove. Although not a requirement of the invention, the exampleembodiment shown in FIG. 8 includes only one single antenna elementrather than two or more antenna elements.

As described above in connection with the dual antenna embodiment,antenna arrangement 804 has a low profile such that antenna arrangement804 can be enclosed within the housing of the computing device whenwireless data communication card 800 is inserted into card slot 404 (seeFIG. 4). In the practical embodiment of the invention, the compactdesign of antenna arrangement 804 is achieved while maintaining antennaefficiency and good RF performance by tuning antenna arrangement 804 toaccount for the conductive structure or structures of the respectivecomputing device.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, antenna arrangement 804 generally includesa dielectric mounting element 812 and an antenna element 814. Antennaelement 814 may include an input section 820 and a radiating section822. Input section 820 protrudes from conductive outer housing 802 andis coupled to (or formed with) radiating section 822. In the practicalembodiment, input section 820 may be coupled to (or formed with) RFconnector 806 for coupling to the RF communication module in wirelessdata communication card 800. In this example, antenna arrangement 804comprises a single “inverted L” shaped antenna architecture thatprovides a relatively uniform radiation pattern that extends away fromthe host-computing device. The orientation of radiating section 822 maybe selected to suit the needs and packaging requirements of theparticular application. For example, the orientation of antennaarrangement 804 may be selected to accommodate the location of an RFfeed point on conductive outer housing 802. In the example embodiment,radiating section 822 is parallel and aligned with the end of conductiveouter housing 802.

As mentioned above, antenna arrangement 804 is preferably tuned inaccordance with conductive structure located at the respective computingdevice. In practice, such tuning may include, without limitation: tuningor adjusting the length of radiating section 822; tuning or adjustingthe length of input section 820; providing RF matching elements; tuningor adjusting the orientation of antenna element 814; tuning or adjustingthe shape, size, or topology of antenna element 814; tuning or adjustingthe mounting distance of radiating section 822 relative to the antennaend of conductive housing 802; selecting the composition or material forantenna element 814; selecting the composition or material fordielectric mounting element 812; tuning or adjusting the size, shape, ortopology of dielectric mounting element 812; selecting the configurationof RF connector 806; and/or selecting the manner in which antennaarrangement 804 is manufactured. In a practical embodiment of theinvention, antenna arrangement 804 is tuned or otherwise configured toconsider the intended deployment of wireless data communication card800. For example, wireless data communication card 800 (including the RFcommunication module and antenna arrangement 804) may be suitablyconfigured for operation in compliance with one or more wireless datacommunication protocols, such as IEEE Standard 802.11(b) or any variantof IEEE Standard 802.11. Furthermore, wireless data communication card800 may be suitably configured in compliance with PCMCIA packagingand/or operating standards. Consequently, antenna arrangement 804 mayalso be suitably tuned to account for these and other practicalrequirements.

In practice, the conductive structure of the computing device may bemodeled, simulated, or otherwise measured to determine its impact on theRF characteristics of wireless data communication card 800. It should beappreciated that a number of conventional RF modeling, testing, orsimulation applications may be utilized to assist in the tuning ofantenna arrangement 804. Assuming that the conductive structure of thecomputing device remains fixed, antenna arrangement 804 can be suitablytuned after the conductive structure has been appropriatelycharacterized. In connection with tuning, any number of RF tests ormeasurements of antenna arrangement 804 may be performed, including,without limitation: antenna efficiency; radiation pattern; and/or returnloss. Such practical measurements can be analyzed to iteratively tuneantenna arrangement 804 if necessary until the desired RF performancecharacteristics are achieved.

FIG. 11 is an example radiation pattern for a wireless datacommunication card having a dual antenna configuration as describedabove, and FIG. 12 is an example radiation pattern for a wireless datacommunication card having a single antenna configuration as describedabove. In practice, the dual antenna configuration may have highdirectivity (relative to the single antenna configuration), which mayresult in the radiation of RF energy into the host computing device anda reduction in overall antenna efficiency. Thus, the benefits of spatialdiversity derived from the dual antenna configuration may be offset by adegradation in RF performance. In comparison, the single antennaconfiguration produces a relatively uniform radiation pattern thatextends away from the host-computing device in all directions (see FIG.12). Such a radiation pattern is desirable in some practicalapplications, for example, an IMD telemetry component as describedabove.

While at least one example embodiment has been presented in theforegoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vastnumber of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that theexample embodiment or embodiments described herein are not intended tolimit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in anyway. In addition, various changes can be made in the function andarrangement of elements without departing from the scope of theinvention as set forth in appended claims and the legal equivalentsthereof.

1. A wireless data communication card for a computing device, saidwireless data communication card comprising: a conductive outer housingthat provides a radio frequency (“RF”) ground structure for saidwireless data communication card, said conductive outer housingestablishing RF ground coupling to conductive structure of the computingdevice; an RF communication module located within said conductive outerhousing; and an antenna arrangement coupled to said RF communicationmodule and located external to said conductive outer housing, saidantenna arrangement being tuned in accordance with said conductivestructure of the computing device.
 2. A wireless data communication cardaccording to claim 1, said conductive outer housing having an insertionend and an antenna end opposing said insertion end, and said antennaarrangement being located at said antenna end.
 3. A wireless datacommunication card according to claim 2, said antenna arrangement havinga low profile relative to said antenna end.
 4. A wireless datacommunication card according to claim 2, said antenna arrangementcomprising: a first antenna element having a first input sectionprotruding from said conductive outer housing, and a first radiatingsection, coupled to said first input section, oriented along saidantenna end in a first direction; and a second antenna element having asecond input section protruding from said conductive outer housing, anda second radiating section, coupled to said second input section,oriented along said antenna end in a second direction.
 5. A wirelessdata communication card according to claim 4, the length of said firstradiating section and the length of said second radiating section beingtuned in accordance with said conductive structure of the computingdevice.
 6. A wireless data communication card according to claim 2, saidantenna arrangement comprising a single antenna element having an inputsection protruding from said conductive outer housing, and a radiatingsection coupled to said input section.
 7. A wireless data communicationcard according to claim 6, the length of said radiating section beingtuned in accordance with said conductive structure of the computingdevice.
 8. A wireless data communication card according to claim 1, saidRF communication module and said antenna arrangement being configuredfor operation in compliance with IEEE Standard 802.11(b).
 9. An antennaarrangement for a wireless data communication card configured for usewith a computing device, said antenna arrangement comprising: a radiofrequency (“RF”) ground structure for establishing RF ground coupling toconductive structure of the computing device; and at least one antennaelement tuned in accordance with said conductive structure of thecomputing device.
 10. An antenna arrangement according to claim 9,further comprising: a first antenna element having a first input sectionand a first radiating section coupled to said first input section, saidfirst radiating section being oriented in a first direction; and asecond antenna element having a second input section and a secondradiating section coupled to said second input section, said secondradiating section being oriented in a second direction opposing saidfirst direction.
 11. An antenna arrangement according to claim 10, thelength of said first radiating section and the length of said secondradiating section being tuned in accordance with said conductivestructure of the computing device.
 12. An antenna arrangement accordingto claim 9, said at least one antenna element comprising a solidmonopole wire antenna.
 13. An antenna arrangement according to claim 9,said at least one antenna element comprising a flexible conductor formedon a flexible adhesive tape.
 14. An antenna arrangement according toclaim 9, said RF ground structure being configured to capacitivelycouple to a ground plane of the computing device.
 15. An antennaarrangement according to claim 9, said at least one antenna elementconsisting of a single antenna element having an input section and aradiating section coupled to said input section.
 16. A computing devicecomprising: a housing; a card slot formed in said housing; conductivestructure contained in said housing; and a wireless data communicationcard configured for engagement with said card slot, said wireless datacommunication card comprising: a conductive outer housing that providesa radio frequency (“RF”) ground structure, said conductive outer housingestablishing RF ground coupling to said conductive structure; an RFcommunication module located within said conductive outer housing; andan antenna arrangement coupled to said RF communication module andlocated external to said conductive outer housing, said antennaarrangement being tuned to account for said conductive structure.
 17. Acomputing device according to claim 16, said conductive outer housinghaving an insertion end and an antenna end opposing said insertion end,and said antenna arrangement being located at said antenna end.
 18. Acomputing device according to claim 17, said antenna arrangement havinga low profile such that said antenna arrangement is enclosed within saidhousing when said wireless data communication card is engaged in saidcard slot.
 19. A computing device according to claim 16, said antennaarrangement comprising a radiating section having a length that is tunedto account for said conductive structure.
 20. A computing deviceaccording to claim 16, said wireless data communication card beingconfigured for operation in compliance with IEEE Standard 802.11(b).